Pence Amendment to Strip Planned Parenthood of Title X Funding

Washington, D.C. (21 July 2009) – U.S. Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) is attempting to eliminate millions in taxpayer funding from Planned Parenthood, an organization under fire in the past year for racist targeting of minority populations, institutionally protecting child rapists and misusing tax funds.

Planned Parenthood uses Title X funding to fuel its contraceptive and sex-education programs.

His measure, the Pence Amendment, states, "None of the funds made available under this Act shall be available to Planned Parenthood for any purpose under Title X of the Public Health Services Act."

Last year, Planned Parenthood raked in $374.7 million in clinic income and an additional $349.6 million in government grants and contracts.

“Regardless of your views on abortion, our nation cannot afford to throw millions of dollars at an organization not only shown to misuse tax funds but one that continually puts the lives of men, women and children in danger,” said Jim Sedlak, vice president of American Life League.

American Life League president Judie Brown sent a letter to hundreds of thousands of supporters around the country last week, urging them to contact their members of Congress and ask them to allow an up-or-down vote on the Pence Amendment.

“Planned Parenthood’s agenda is putting our kids in danger from sexual predators on a daily basis,” Brown said. “The gravity of Planned Parenthood’s crimes transcends party lines. Any American concerned about keeping our kids safe should support the Pence Amendment.”

American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.